Twin Falls, Idaho (KMVT-TV / KSVT-TV) - Flying commercially using the Twin Falls airport will become more convenient this summer.

SkyWest Airlines and the Twin Falls Airport announced today they will be offering an additional seasonal third flight to the current air service. According to information released Thursday, this is in response to an anticipated increase in demand for summer flights from travelers using the Twin Falls Airport.

The additional aircraft will increase flight frequency to three flights daily to the Salt Lake City International Airport, where travelers can make connections to hundreds of destinations around the world.

The third flight will provide an additional 50-seat Bombardier jet that is expected to operate from May through August. During the four-month period the airport’s flight schedule will include the following departure times: 6:30 a.m.; 12:23 p.m. and 6:23 p.m. Arrivals will couple with the mid-day and evening flights, continuing with the current arrival flight at 10:30 p.m. The third flight is also expected to make late-afternoon transitions easier for travelers connecting to flights at the Salt Lake International Airport.

In June, Delta Connection, which is operated by SkyWest Airlines, transitioned its 30-seat Brasilia turbo prop aircrafts to more modern 50-seat Bombardier CRJ200 jets. The new aircraft improved the passenger experience to connecting Delta flights at the Salt Lake City International Airport and total daily seating capacity increased from 90 seats to 100 seats; however, some commuters voiced concerns about the reduced flight frequency – primarily among the business community that utilizes late-afternoon and evening flights.
“We are always trying to improve service to our customers, and in this case we are working with SkyWest to test the waters for a third flight,” said Bill Carberry, Manager of the Magic Valley Regional Airport. “We have conducted community surveys to determine the needs of our customers, and one of the concerns that was frequently cited by our business community was the need for an additional flight later in the day.”

Carberry added that the market dictates what air service providers can offer, but the Magic Valley Regional Airport will continue to identify new and innovative ways to improve customer service. The regional airport strives to keep travel costs competitive with larger airports by providing services such as free parking and by keeping airport fees as low as possible.

In May, the Magic Valley Regional Airport will also begin a significant expansion and remodel of its terminal. The remodel will add new features such as restrooms, work areas for electronic devices, and more space for passengers in the post-screening area. The remodel will also improve circulation in the ticket lobby, add a third ticket counter, put security screening of luggage in a more discrete location, and remodel the interior and exterior with a more open and appealing design. The total cost for design, engineering and construction of the terminal remodel is expected to be about $2.9 million – with about 94 percent of the cost eligible for federal funding.

The Magic Valley Regional Airport will partner with the City of Twin Falls and Twin Falls Area Chamber of Commerce to educate the community about the new seasonal flight.

“We always encourage our region to fly local and take advantage of the services we offer,” Carberry said. “And it will be more important during the summer months for folks to demonstrate that we have the regional demand for a third flight.”

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